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Tube Phono-Stage question.

I recently purchased a REGA P5 TT and had a Benz-Micro Glider installed. I have been using a NAD PP2 phono stage with the rest of my gear. I paid about $129 dollars for this phono-stage and was happy with its performance for the price. However, I recently visited my local dealer and he gave me a brand new and unused Pro-Ject Tube Box II to demo. I instantly liked the sound of the tubes! The sound-stage was much larger and wider! Although, after switching back to the NAD I noticed that the bass from the NAD was much more clear than the tube phono stage. I know absolutely nothing about tubes. My question is if the tubes sound will improve over time? Will the bass become more clear and tight over time? Everything else sounds great, but the bass just sounds a wee bit mushy. Given the difference in price I am not sure it is worth the additional investment. The Tube Box II retails for $450 dollars! I want to improve my sound, but am not sure what to do at the moment! I don't really want to spend for than $500 dollars. Thanks for any information or recommendations!

Speakers: Wilson Sophia's Series 1
Amp: Mark Levinson 331
Pre-Amp: Ayre Acoustics K1XE
TT: REGA P5
Cartridge: Benz-Micro Glider
Phono Stage: NAD PP2 (Looking to upgrade)
Current Demo: Pro-Ject Tube Box II (Have been using for about 3 days now)
rick_hilton
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
The ProJect Tube Box 11 SE was tested by HIFICRITIC, which takes no ads, and did very well, outperforming the Graham Slee and PS Audio among others. Its score was 45 as opposed to the PS's 15 and 20something for the Slee. Don't use the subsonic filter as it severely degrades the sound.
pkubica
134 posts
 
Take a look at the Jolida, it's a lot of phono stage for the money. Some used units on Agon for $350, spend $40-$50 for a good pair of 12AX7's and you're in business.
Paul
rick_hilton OP
46 posts
 
Well, I wound up purchasing the Phono Tube Box II with Harmonix 12AX7EH tubes! Much better! The bass is tighter and more focused! The bass output is a little less, but more accurate to my ear! These tubes only cost $14 dollars each! They did not have any higher end tubes available so I thought I would give the harmonic tubes a try and upgrade the tubes in a month or so! What would be the best sounding tubes for this phono-stage?

Thanks for all the advice and input! Analog is a new world to me, and I must say I am really enjoying music more than ever! Thank you all forl the information!
mikeyc8
174 posts
 
A friend of mine put Brimar Black Plates in his Tube Box SEII and it sounds fantastic.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Rick:What do you like/dislike,with the "current" tubes? It would be easier to make recommendations.
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